Ganjam district Collector Bijaya Amrit Kulange on Friday claimed that the district administration has successfully tackled Cyclone Titli and its after-effects.
“The Cyclone Titli was not severe as it was expected to be. However, heavy rains have been recorded at different parts of Ganjam district in the aftermath of the storm. A possible flood-like situation in the Rushikulya River has arisen. The district administration is ready to combat the possible flood,” said Kulange at a Press meet held at the BeMC office here on Thursday.
He said the district administration has succeeded in combating the cyclonic storm and achieved the ‘zero casualty’ target as well.
He said evacuees have been provided foods at 755 cyclone shelters across the district. He said air dropping of packets containing dry foods like 3 kg of Chuda, 0.50 kg of Gud, small size biscuit 10 packets, candles and match boxes would be started soon in Aska and other affected areas.
Two helicopters from Eastern Naval Command Base, Vishakhapatnam would arrive in the district and start operation from Rangeilunda airstrip, Aska Science College Helipad.
The Government holidays of October 13 and 15 were cancelled and employees would attend the office on these two days.
A total number of 94,265 people belonging to 26,008 families in 367 villages under 125 gram pachayats have been affected due to the Cyclone Titli in the district, he informed.
According to sources 14 of 22 blocks have been affected in the storm and subsequent rains. According to latest reports, many areas under Aska, Hinjilikatu and Sheragarh blocks have been marooned in rainwater. Delay in relief distribution has created resentment among a section of people. Besides, villages under Purushottampur and Bhanjanagar blocks have also been affected due to heavy rains.
Sources said, food packets were sent to the helipads for airdropping. Most probably, helicopters would airdrop relief materials on Saturday.